Kai Wheeler
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/29913 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/hmbs/schools-institutes-centres/qcops/our-people
Dr
Kai Wheeler
Email: : kwheeler@uq.edu.au
Phone: : +61 7 336 56453
Positions
Affiliate Lecturer of Mater Research Institute-UQ : Mater Research Institute-UQ : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of ARC COE for Children and Families Over the Lifecourse : ARC COE for Children and Families Over the Lifecourse : Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Affiliate of Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation : Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Affiliate of Centre for Sport and Society : Centre for Sport and Society : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Senior Lecturer : School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Background
Dr Wheeler is a proud Ngarabal person and Accredited Exercise Scientist (ESSA). Dr Wheeler specilises in implementation science in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Dr Wheeler was the first Aboriginal person to graduate with a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Dr Wheeler’s research examines how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can co-design programs that build community capacity and engage children and young peoples in a broad range of development areas. Dr Wheeler’s research strengths consist co-designing physical movement-based programs, ensuring a trauma informed and culturally-responsive approach towards community engagement and empowerment.
Dr Wheeler has led high performing teams working on education programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through a strength-based and holistic framework. Extending this work, Dr Wheeler's research focuses on developing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better address the complex health needs of community. Dr Wheeler has provided FIrst Nations leadership to a range of projects that have catered for the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and through this experience has partnered to deliver diverse governance solutions and educational engagement frameworks.
Dr Wheeler also specialises in biomechanics, sport analytics and performance analysis as well as strength and conditioning research. Dr Wheeler works currently with a range of sporting organisations to implement best-practice sport servicing, testing and athlete management to achieve excellence. Dr Wheeler is the lead researcher in partnership with Indigenous Basketball Australia. Dr Wheeler has worked with a variety of professional sporting organisations and teams such as the Wallabies, Brumbies Rugby and World Rugby as well as the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Raiders, Canberra Comets, Canberra Meteors and GWS Giants. Dr Wheeler co-design training programs to promote optimal performance in a range of sports. Dr Wheeler is a passionate about how sport and exercise can be used to enrich community as well as health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler is the Chair of the ESSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Working Group for Exercise and Sport Science Australia.
Dr Wheeler is the Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences.
Dr Wheeler is the Program Convenor for Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences, the University of Queensland.
Dr Wheeler was named in the top 52 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people changing the world from COSMOS.
Awards
2022 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award from the Australian Academy of Science
2022 LSQ Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award from Life Sciences Queensland
2020 Accredited Exercise Scientist of the Year Award from Exercise and Sport Science Australia
2021 Science Peoples Choice Award from National Science Week
2021 Outreach Award from National Science Week
2020 Science Leadership Excellence Award from National Science Week
2017 NAIDOC Award from Fraser Coast NAIDOC Committee
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Availability
Dr Kai Wheeler is: : Available for supervision : Media expert
Fields of research
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing Biomechanics Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services Curriculum and pedagogy Education Educational administration, management and leadership Educational technology and computing Global Indigenous studies health and wellbeing Health Sciences Indigenous Studies Medical physiology Other Indigenous data, methodologies and global Indigenous studies Sports science and exercise
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Canberra
- Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, University of Canberra
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
Research interests
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Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing
Read more Read less - #### Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islander health and wellbeing
Read more Read less - #### Child development and inclusive sport and exercise systems
Read more Read less - #### Engaging diverse peoples in education
Read more Read less - #### Fundamental movement skills in children
Read more Read less - #### Trauma-informed movement and physical activity
Read more Read less - #### Sport analytics and performance analysis
Read more Read less - #### Biomechanics and movement analysis
Read more Read less - #### Strength and conditioning
Read more Read less - #### Sport coaching and education
Read more Read less - #### Wearable technology in the assessment of human movement
Read more Read less - #### Strategic leadership
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Research impacts
Dr Wheeler has authored/co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals as well as one book that examined the practical use of wearable technology in sport, which was published by Springer.
Dr Wheeler has over 680 citations attributed to his work, with an H-index of 13 according to Google Scholar.
Dr Wheeler is also a peer reviewer of several high ranked Sport and Exercise Science journals.
Dr Wheeler has presented extensively at a range of national and international conferences. Dr Wheeler has demonstrated strong capacity in the development, implementation, management and completion of funded research projects in human movement disciplines. Dr Wheeler is leading collaborations for improved health outcomes, in particular for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Dr Wheeler has applied his research widely in human movement science, including innovative studies investigating the biomechanics of human gait specific to sport.
Dr Wheeler has worked extensively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage in meaningful learning experiences and activities. Dr Wheeler is skilled at translating his work into training programs and seminars aimed at improving theory and practice of human movement, including culturally responsive physical activity. His work challenges traditional views of child development and has been adopted by sport and exercise scientists working in a range of settings. Dr Wheeler’s innovative work in the Fraser Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait community included implementing gender specific engagement programs for secondary school students, various homework clubs, and traditional Indigenous games in primary schools led to him being awarded the 2017 NAIDOC Business award from the Fraser Coast community.
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Search Professor Kai Wheeler’s works on UQ eSpace
All (57) Book (1) Journal Article (22) Other Outputs (10) Conference Publication (22) Book Chapter (2)
Featured
2020
Conference Publication
Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Wheeler, K., Lee, J., Willis., C., James, D. and Louth, S. (2020). Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) National Conference 2020, Online, 1-3 December 2020.
Reflective learning engagement builds career aspirations
Featured
2020
Other Outputs
Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Wheeler, K. (2020). Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success. Brisbane, QLD Australia:
Review of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success
Featured
2020
Journal Article
Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review
May, Tamara, Dudley, Amanda, Charles, James, Kennedy, Kate, Mantilla, Ana, McGillivray, Jane, Wheeler, Keane, Elston, Hope and Rinehart, Nicole J. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of sport and physical activity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents: a mixed studies systematic review. BMC Public Health, 20 (1) 601. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-8355-z
Featured
2019
Journal Article
Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study
Louth, Sharon, Wheeler, Keane and Bonner, Joyce (2019). Long-lasting educational engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Where are the Ghundus (children)? A longitudinal study. Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 50 (1), 107-115. doi: 10.1017/jie.2019.14
Featured
2016
Conference Publication
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
Chew, B. , Davidson, G. , Wheeler, K. , Fredricks, B. and Sheehan, N. (2016). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures. Regional Futures Conference, Rockhampton, QLD Australia, September 2016 .
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in the regional university: creating viable futures
2025
Journal Article
Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design
Phillips, Murray G., Osmond, Gary and Wheeler, Kai (2025). Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design. Journal of Sport History, 52 (3), 37-53.
2025
Book Chapter
Trauma-Informed Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Hall, Emily, Louth, Sharon, Phillips, Murray, Cairney, John and Wheeler, Kai (2025). Trauma-Informed Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Understanding and Implementing Trauma-Informed Practice in Schools. (pp. 166-186) London: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003436034-9
Trauma-Informed Partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
2025
Book Chapter
Multi-Disciplinary Partnering in School-Based Trauma-Informed Active Play
Lawson, Ellie, Barratt, Jaime, Hall, Emily, Cairney, John and Wheeler, Kai (2025). Multi-Disciplinary Partnering in School-Based Trauma-Informed Active Play. Understanding and Implementing Trauma-Informed Practice in Schools. (pp. 210-224) London: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003436034-11
Multi-Disciplinary Partnering in School-Based Trauma-Informed Active Play
2025
Journal Article
A population-based study of cause-specific mortality in First Nations Australians with cirrhosis: impact of cardiometabolic comorbidities and liver disease risk factors
Bhasker, Vikas, Brown, Catherine, Fong, Jessica R., Clark, Paul J., Hartel, Gunter, Skoien, Richard, O'Beirne, James, Wheeler, Kai, Keating, Shelley E., Powell, Elizabeth E. and Valery, Patricia C. (2025). A population-based study of cause-specific mortality in First Nations Australians with cirrhosis: impact of cardiometabolic comorbidities and liver disease risk factors. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific, 61 101641, 101641-61. doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2025.101641
2025
Journal Article
Transition From Primary to Secondary School: Igniting Attendance and Engagement Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Through National Policy Reform
Potia, Azhar Hussain, Wheeler, Kai W., Woodroffe, Tracy and Thorpe, Karen (2025). Transition From Primary to Secondary School: Igniting Attendance and Engagement Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students Through National Policy Reform. Australian Journal of Social Issues ajs4.70041. doi: 10.1002/ajs4.70041
2025
Other Outputs
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Palm Island 2024
Wheeler, Kai, Weatherall, Loretta, Smith, Davina, Massi, Luciana, Thorogood, Mieka, Ahmed, Salma M, Friday, Rhiannon, Dorey, Emily, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree and Rae, Kym M (2025). The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Palm Island 2024. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/e2f5589
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Palm Island 2024
2025
Journal Article
Construct validity and reliability of the effective early childhood physical literacy pedagogue (ECE-PLP) self-report instrument
Barratt, Jaime, Dudley, Dean, Stylianou, Michalis, Thomas, George, Wheeler, Kai and Cairney, John (2025). Construct validity and reliability of the effective early childhood physical literacy pedagogue (ECE-PLP) self-report instrument. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 29 (2), 145-159. doi: 10.1080/1091367x.2024.2422309
2025
Other Outputs
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Rockhampton 2025
Massi, Luciana, Smith, Davina, Ahmed, Salma M., Weatherall, Loretta, Friday, Rhiannon, Dorey, Emily, Wheeler, Kai, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree and Rae, Kym M. (2025). The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Rockhampton 2025. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/50683a9
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Rockhampton 2025
2025
Other Outputs
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Townsville 2024
Smith, Davina, Ahmed, Salma M., Massi, Luciana, Weatherall, Loretta, Wheeler, Kai, Dorey, Emily, Friday, Rhiannon, Thorogood, Mieka, Fredericks, Bronwyn, Toombs, Maree and Rae, Kym M. (2025). The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Townsville 2024. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/a166664
The Indigenous Health Research Priorities Study Report for Townsville 2024
2025
Journal Article
Public First Nations Sport History Projects
Phillips, Murray G., Osmond, Gary and Wheeler, Kai W. (2025). Public First Nations Sport History Projects. Journal of Sport History, 52 (3), 37-53. doi: 10.5406/21558450.52.3.05
Public First Nations Sport History Projects
2024
Journal Article
The impact of trauma-informed practices on academic outcomes of First Nations children: a pilot study of culturally responsive supports in Australia
Krishnamoorthy, Govind, Harrison, Ellisa, Ayre, Kay, Forooshani, Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi, Berger, Emily, Rees, Bronwyn, Wheeler, Keane, Eiby, Nathan, Ong, Sabrina, Dallinger, Vicki and Ulhaq, Anwaar (2024). The impact of trauma-informed practices on academic outcomes of First Nations children: a pilot study of culturally responsive supports in Australia. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11 (1) 1385. doi: 10.1057/s41599-024-03892-8
2024
Journal Article
International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles
Martin, Karen, Dobson, Madeleine, Fitzgerald, Kate, Ford, Madeleine, Lund, Stephan, Egeberg, Helen, Walker, Rebecca, Milroy, Helen, Wheeler, Keane, Kasten-Lee, Amanda, Bayly, Lisa, Gazey, Angela, Falconer, Sarah, Platell, Monique and Berger, Emily (2024). International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools (ITIPPS): expert consensus of best-practice principles. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51 (4), 1445-1468. doi: 10.1007/s13384-023-00648-2
2024
Journal Article
Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Dick, Sarah, Wheeler, Kai and Keating, Shelley E. (2024). Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 48 (2) 100138, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100138
2024
Conference Publication
Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design
Osmond, Gary, Phillips, Murray G. and Wheeler, Kai (2024). Public First Nations sport history projects: the cross-disciplinary value of the principles of co-design. 2024 NASSH Pre-Conference Workshop: "Sport Studies as a Public Service: Popular Scholarship, Histories, and Activism", Denver, CO, United States, 23-24 May 2024.
2024
Journal Article
The Double Folds of Racism and History: Silences, Concussion, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Athletes
Phillips, Murray G., Wheeler, Kai W. and Osmond, Gary (2024). The Double Folds of Racism and History: Silences, Concussion, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Athletes. Journal of Sport History, 51 (2), 102-118. doi: 10.5406/21558450.51.2.09
Current funding
- 2026 - 2030
Implementing a life course approach in communities, schools, and health care settings for early detection, prevention and ending RHD in Australia (IpreventRHD)
NHMRC Synergy Grants
Open grant - 2025 - 2027
Ngura Ninti Project (led by UoM)
University of Melbourne
Open grant - 2025 - 2028
Empowering Indigenous Communities: Strengthening Agency, Equity, and Connections in Cancer Care and Prevention
Cancer Australia
Open grant - 2023 - 2026
Closing the final gaps in maternal and infant health: the Deadly Fit Mums program
NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles
Past funding
- 2024 - 2025
Untapping the potential of sleep health to improve prevention and management of mental health problems in First Nations Children
NHMRC MRFF Childhood Mental Health Research
Open grant - 2024 - 2025
Equity-Focused Multi-tiered Systems of Support: Developing Differentiated Disciplinary and Intersectional Practices for Students with Disabilities from Priority Equity Groups (USQ administered)
University of Southern Queensland
Open grant - 2024 - 2025
Co-designing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea screening and diagnostic approaches for First Nations Australians: Strengthening clinical pathways with lived-experience support from community champions
NHMRC MRFF Optimising Screening, Diagnosis and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Open grant - 2023 - 2024
Rapid Review and National Framework for Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (Project administered by Monash University)
Monash University
Open grant - 2023
Yarrabah Community, Identity and Pride: A History of Yarrabah Sport
UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
Open grant - 2022 - 2023
Design of a First Nations Community Impact Framework for Athletics Australia
Athletics Australia
Open grant - 2022
Mob Moves: Co-designing a program to empower socioemotional learning through physical activity
UQ Indigenous Research Engagement and Partnerships Fund
Open grant - 2021
Getting active and feeling good through the Move2Smile with Culture program
Australian Academy of Science
Open grant - 2021
Don't close the Gap - Jump it! Using physical activity and wearable technology to engage Indigenous children in STEM
Energex
Availability
Dr Kai Wheeler is: : Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Tackling the Nutrition Burden with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Led and Co- Designed Healthy Living Program
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Robyn Littlewood, Dr Jacki Walker - Doctor Philosophy
##### Movement is not Separate from Culture, but is Culture: Yarning about Physical Literacy with the Yarrabah Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Murray Phillips, Professor John Cairney - Doctor Philosophy
##### Strengthening Wellbeing: Exploring the Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Social and Emotional Wellbeing Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shelley Keating, Professor Kym Rae - Doctor Philosophy
##### Investigating the Cultural Determinants of Physical Literacy in Diverse Communities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney, Dr Veronique Richard - Doctor Philosophy
##### Co-designing trauma informed practices for Exercise Physiologists working with children
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney - Doctor Philosophy
##### Health literacy of rheumatic heart disease within non-family based care
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Cairney - Doctor Philosophy
##### Trauma-informed education in partnership with First Nations communities
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jessica Lee - Master Philosophy
##### Evaluating the association between perinatal cultural connectedness and socioemotional wellbeing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kym Rae - Doctor Philosophy
##### Deadly Fit Mums: yarning about health and wellbeing of mums and their families.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Judith Dean, Associate Professor Federica Barzi
Enquiries
Contact Dr Kai Wheeler directly for media enquiries about:
- aboriginal
- biomechanics
- business leadership
- child development
- child movement
- embedding indigenous perspectives
- exercise
- first nations
- indigenous
- indigenous health
- performance analysis
- physical activity
- sport
- trauma-informed education
- wearable sensors
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